New Falcons Stadium Could Host World Cup

ATLANTA -- The United States won its fifth Gold Cup title over the weekend. Its last win was back in 2007.

The U.S. could take home another championship in Atlanta one day, or maybe even host the World Cup, thanks to the new Falcons stadium.

"It's going to have huge economic impact on Atlanta, and really I think the infrastructure within Atlanta where the stadium facilities are, your downtown area, your accommodations, your hotels and so forth. I think it will be great obviously for the city," explained Jeffery Webb, president of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

Webb is the person in charge of planning the Gold Cup matches. He spoke with 11Alive and gave Atlanta a perfect score from its performance as a host for the semifinals match a couple of weeks ago. Organizers say the matches went off without a hitch.

Webb knows about the new Falcons stadium. He's seen the plans, met with the team and the mayor. In his eyes it is a draw to help Atlanta qualify as host of the Gold Cup Finals match one day, or maybe even hosting the World Cup in 2026.

"Atlanta would be competing with stadiums in the US, such as stadiums in New York, the Dallas cowboys stadium, but from what I've seen once this stadium comes to fruition I'm sure it will be one of the newest stadiums and more modern stadiums," explained Webb.

Thursday, August 1 is the deadline for leaders to select a site for the new stadium. That's when the Georgia World Congress Center will vote on moving ahead with feasibility and inspections.